로는/으로는 (by means + topic)

This pattern is a powerhouse of emphasis. It takes a noun and turns it into the primary topic of your sentence. Usually, we use 로 to show the 'how' of a situation. But when you add 는, you are inviting a comparison. You are essentially saying "In terms of this method" or "By using this way (as opposed to others)." It is like choosing between a plain latte and one with a fancy heart on top. They both get the job done. But one feels a lot more intentional. You use it when you want to clarify a specific path or method. It is very common in everyday Korean. You will hear it when people talk about travel times. You will hear it when people compare different tools. It is the secret sauce for sounding more nuanced and intermediate.

1. 1Luckily, the rules here are pretty straightforward. You just need to look at the last letter of your noun.
2. 2If the noun ends in a vowel, just add 로는.
3. 3기차 (train) becomes 기차로는.
4. 4가위 (scissors) becomes 가위로는.
5. 5If the noun ends in a consonant (except ㄹ), add 으로는.
6. 6수저 (spoon and chopsticks) becomes 수저로는.
7. 7인터넷 (internet) becomes 인터넷으로는.
8. 8If the noun ends in the consonant ㄹ, just add 로는.
9. 9연필 (pencil) becomes 연필로는.
10. 10칼 (knife) becomes 칼로는.
11. 11Yes, even native speakers mess up the ㄹ rule sometimes. Don't worry if you do too! Just remember that ㄹ is a bit of a rebel. It likes to skip the extra 으.

Use this when you want to highlight a specific method. Imagine you are talking about going to Seoul. You could say 버스로 가요 (I go by bus). But if someone asks how long it takes, you say 버스로는 4시간 걸려요. Now you are saying, "As for the bus, it takes 4 hours." It is perfect for comparing options.

It is also great for roles or status. Suppose your friend is a great cook but a terrible driver. You could say 친구로는 정말 좋아요. This means, "As a friend, they are great." It implies that maybe as a driver, they are scary! Use it for materials too. "With wood, I can make a chair" becomes 나무로는 의자를 만들 수 있어요. It focuses on the potential of the wood specifically.

Don't use this if you are just stating a simple fact without focus. If you are just eating with a fork, 포크로 먹어요 is fine. Using 으로는 there makes it sound like you are starting a debate about eating utensils. "As for the fork, I am eating!" sounds a bit dramatic, right?

Also, avoid it for direct objects of the sentence. If you are 'using' the tool as the main object of the verb 'to use' (사용하다), just use the object marker 을/를. This grammar is specifically for the 'means' or 'method' of an action.

The biggest trap is the ㄹ consonant. Many people try to say 연필으로는. It feels logical, but it is incorrect. Stick to 연필로는. It flows much better once you get used to it.

Another mistake is overusing it. If every sentence has 으로는, you will sound like you are constantly comparing everything. It can make you sound a bit argumentative or overly formal. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Use it when you need to signal a change in topic or focus.

Compare 로 and 로는. 로 is just the tool. 로는 is the tool + the topic.

• 펜으로 써요: I write with a pen. (Simple fact)
• 펜으로는 안 써져요: As for the pen, it won't write. (Focusing on the pen as the problem)

Also, compare it with 에서는. 에서는 is for locations where an action happens. 으로는 is for the method used to do the action.

• 학교에서는 공부해요: At school, I study.
• 유튜브로는 공부해요: By using YouTube, I study.